Utah Jazz star Lauri Markkanen discussed Joan Penarroya's recent criticism of Miika Muurinen and his commitment to the team, saying it would be a difficult situation for any 18-year-old and that he's not worried about Muurinen's development.
Not long ago, Finland flipped Europe upside down by defeating the powerful and heavy favourite Serbian national team, led by three-time NBA MVP Nikola Jokic, in the EuroBasket 2025 Round of 16.
Unfortunately, the Finnish team wasn't able to end its phenomenal run with a medal.
Finland lost the bronze medal game to Greece, led by another NBA MVP, Giannis Antetokounmpo. However, Finland achieved its best-ever result in a major tournament, confirming its status as a frontrunner in the competitions to come.
Miikka Muurinen Emerges as Finland's Young X-Factor
Besides NBA All-Star Lauri Markkanen and other proven players such as Mikael Jantunen and Elias Valtonen, the 18-year-old forward Miikka Muurinen was one of the reasons Finland went so far in the tournament.
Muurinen squeezed the most out of every minute he was on the floor, averaging 6.6 points and 2 rebounds in 11 minutes and scoring 9 points in only 12 minutes in that unforgettable game versus Serbia.
From Breakout Star to Bench Struggles at Partizan
However, life looks so different for the precocious Finnish phenomenon, not even half a year later.
Not only is Muurinen out of Partizan's rotation, but the team's coach, Joan Penarroya, also called him out.
The forward signed a three-year deal with Partizan in September after finishing his high school career in the US.
Lauri Markkanen Weighs In on Difficult Muurinen's Transition
From the US, Utah Jazz forward Lauri Markkanen might be the most legitimate Muurinen's compatriot to give his thoughts on the forward's situation as the Finnish national team leader.
Moreover, the 28-year-old stays in touch with the prospect.
"I think it's a big jump that he made from high school basketball to the EuroLeague," Markkanen told BasketNews following the Jazz's game in Toronto on Sunday. "It would be tough for anyone."
"I haven't been able to really follow what's going on. I think if he keeps working, no matter what he's going to do, he's going to eventually figure it out," Markkanen added.
Credit Heikki Saukkomaa/LEHTIKUV/SIPA-Scanpix
Markkanen also confirmed Muurinen's plans to return to the States, hoping that the current situation at Partizan could be resolved.
"I know he wants to go to college in the US. I don't know what he is going to do, I wish him the best, obviously. We talk every now and then, our schedule is kind of… I don't know what's going on behind the scenes. I've seen some news, but you don't know what's really going on," the Finnish star continued.
"I hope they can handle the situation, and he gets to play. I think he's a really talented player. Obviously, everybody sees the highlights; he's a really athletic guy who can do things that guards do on the basketball court. He's going to figure it out, no matter where he is. Obviously, I wish him the best. I'm going to see him in a couple of months," Markkanen added.
Markkanen Responds to Penarroya's Criticism
Penarroya's strong criticism of Muurinen spread headlines across Europe, which might put even more pressure on the rising star.
Markkanen addressed the matter when asked whether he would offer any advice to his countryman about dealing with so much heat.
"I think it's everyone at 18 years old. Like I said, it's a big jump from high school basketball to professionals. You're playing against grown men; it would be tough for any 18-year-old. I think everybody develops at a different time," Markkanen said.
Credit Image AP – Scanpix
"I think him getting reps at first with us in the EuroBasket, seeing the really high-competition level, getting playing time there, and then seeing it for a year or however many years he plays in the EuroLeague. Just seeing that all the time, I think it's going to keep getting [him] better," the Jazz star added.
Ultimately, Markkanen believes there's nothing to worry about.
"I wouldn't be worried, I think everybody develops at a different time. He's got the athletic tools to do it," Markkanen concluded.
Wildest Path To The NBA We've Ever Seen
Toni Canyameras
Toni Canyameras began his basketball media career in 2021, covering FC Barcelona. He became a fan of the sport thanks to Barça and the Japanese manga series Slam Dunk. Toni moved to Toronto in 2022 and has since been covering the NBA from a European perspective, reporting on games, All-Star weekends, and the Summer League. He holds a degree in Journalism, a Master's Degree in Sports Journalism in Spain, and a Postgraduate in Journalism in Canada.
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